James Spader – cinemescope

100 Word Review – Secretary (2002)

February 8, 2016March 6, 2016Posted in 100 Words..., Drama, F-Rated, RomanceTagged adaptation, BDSM, Drama, Erin Cressida Wilson, James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary Gaitskill, RomanceLeave a comment

Adapted from Mary Gaitskill’s short story by Erin Cressida Wilson (Men Women and Children, The Girl on the Train), this film has accrued the kind of cult acclaim that Fifty Shades could only dream of.

Lee (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a troubled young lady with self-harming tendencies when she starts working at a small law firm for the demanding Mr. Grey (James Spader).

With strong themes of sexuality and BDSM, this film is dark and erotic and really human. It’s not for the squeamish or the faint of heart, but it is beautifully, stylishly done and the two leads are perfection.

100 Word Review – Pretty In Pink (1986)

May 19, 2015March 6, 2016Posted in 100 Words..., Comedy, RomanceTagged 1980s, Andrew McCarthy, Comedy, James Spader, John Hughes, Jon Cryer, Molly Ringwald, Romance, teen2 Comments

John Hughes is, of course, the king of the teen film; this is the jewel in his crown.

High school student Andie (Molly Ringwald, who else?!) finds herself infatuated with “richy” Blane (Andrew McCarthy) as her childhood friend Duckie (Jon Cryer) vies for her affection.

Silly names aside, all of these characters are endearing in their own way. If on first viewing you find the plot predictable I would remind you that this is the film all other teen flicks are based on.

It has the punchy soundtrack you would expect of the 1980s as well as the fashion sense.

100 Word Review – Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

April 27, 2015March 6, 2016Posted in 100 Words..., Action, Sci FiTagged Action, adaptation, adventure, Age of Ultron, Avengers, Avengers Assemble, Black Widow, Captain America, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Comic, Hawkeye, Hulk, Iron Man, James Spader, Jeremy Renner, Joss Whedon, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Sci Fi, Stan Lee, Thor2 Comments

Everything that Joss Whedon makes is beautiful, and this is no exception.

Following on from The Avengers (2012), we catch up with the gang still coping with the fallout from Loki. Stark (Robert Downey Jr) more than most.

I won’t give away any more plot. The script is as full of humour, emotion, action and fully formed characters. There’s action, romance, family ties and a whole lot more besides.

The cast is wonderful, as always. Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner are all superb. James Spader is in his element as the ultimate artificial intelligence, Ultron.